The big event is almost here! In just a little over three weeks will be the wedding of our daughter, Katy Ann to Mr. Jonathan Scott! The wedding is Saturday, August 29th at 2 pm in the auditorium at Portland Avenue with reception following in the Connection Center. You are all invited so consider this your official invitation!
As you might imagine, preparations for the wedding have been going on for some time. The bride has been working on getting everything ready for her groom. She will be radiant and beautiful adorned in white signifying her purity. The groom will stand tall and handsome with an ear-to-ear smile as he sees his bride come down the aisle. It will be a beautiful moment. The two will be joined in marriage through a covenant of lifelong commitment.
The relationship of the church to Christ is that of a bride and groom. Hear words Paul's words in Ephesians 5:25-27,
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
The church, which is not a building or the institution, but are those called out ones who have pledged themselves by faith and trust to Jesus Christ, should be preparing herself for the coming of her groom, Jesus Christ. The Lord provides everything needed for the church to be prepared and ready for the coming of the groom. He has footed the bill for the wedding through his death on the cross. He has given us the engagement ring of the Holy Spirit to guide us and prepare us for the groom's coming. Are you ready for the great wedding when Jesus, the groom, returns for His Church? To get ready, admit and repent of your sin, put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you and forgive you, and confess Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
The church is living against a cultural and moral backdrop that is blackness for its lack of truth and light. Against this backdrop a holy church will stand out as a beacon of light and hope as we draw attention to our groom, Jesus Christ, who is mighty to save! Portland Avenue, let's be that kind of church in our community!
As you might imagine, preparations for the wedding have been going on for some time. The bride has been working on getting everything ready for her groom. She will be radiant and beautiful adorned in white signifying her purity. The groom will stand tall and handsome with an ear-to-ear smile as he sees his bride come down the aisle. It will be a beautiful moment. The two will be joined in marriage through a covenant of lifelong commitment.
The relationship of the church to Christ is that of a bride and groom. Hear words Paul's words in Ephesians 5:25-27,
"Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish."
The church, which is not a building or the institution, but are those called out ones who have pledged themselves by faith and trust to Jesus Christ, should be preparing herself for the coming of her groom, Jesus Christ. The Lord provides everything needed for the church to be prepared and ready for the coming of the groom. He has footed the bill for the wedding through his death on the cross. He has given us the engagement ring of the Holy Spirit to guide us and prepare us for the groom's coming. Are you ready for the great wedding when Jesus, the groom, returns for His Church? To get ready, admit and repent of your sin, put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone to save you and forgive you, and confess Jesus to be your Lord and Savior.
The church is living against a cultural and moral backdrop that is blackness for its lack of truth and light. Against this backdrop a holy church will stand out as a beacon of light and hope as we draw attention to our groom, Jesus Christ, who is mighty to save! Portland Avenue, let's be that kind of church in our community!